Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre taken has taken out top honours for promoting gender equity at the 2024 NHVic Awards held by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria last week.
The council-run centre won the Fiona Richardson Award for Gender Equity for its Women in Business & Entrepreneurship project (WIBE), which was delivered in partnership with local not for profit community organisation, Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment (MACE).
The project, which is aimed at empowering women in Melton, addressed gender inequality amongst Indian women in the areas of economic empowerment, education, social connection and well-being.
More than 500 women participated in the program which included workshops, business coaching, and education and training support.
According to MACE President Deepti Alurkkar, the win was an acknowledgement that “when women support women, entire communities rise”.
“This recognition belongs to every woman who dared to dream, and to our incredible volunteers whose passion made this possible,” she said.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi also praised the program’s efforts.
“This is testament to the valuable role community centres and neighbourhood houses play in supporting social connections and skill development at a local level,” he said.
“It’s important that we continue to challenge gender stereotypes and look at ways we can empower women and girls to achieve their best.”
Hillside Community Centre was also a finalist in this year’s awards in the Good Health and Well-Being category for its Ageing Artfully Art Project.
